Icehearts Rome: The Sports Club for Young People in Cinecittà

In the Roman neighborhood of Cinecittà, every Monday afternoon, 22 students from the IC Rita Levi Montalcini middle school participate in the Icehearts project, a program that uses sport to help build relationships, strengthen trust, and learn the value of rules. Uisp Roma, an active part of the project, launched the initiative in November, involving local boys and girls in an experience that goes beyond physical activity. “The project gives us the opportunity to work in the local area and also to welcome young people that society leaves behind,” explains sports educator Mirco Gaffi. “We adapt the lessons according to the young people who participate, and each time we apply a different program. We are very happy with the response we are getting—the young people keep coming back, and this is very satisfying.”

The activities take place in the school gym under the guidance of mentor Loris Antonelli and educators Mirco Gaffi and Barbara Boscolo. In the group, made up of second- and third-year middle school students, there are also students who live in difficult situations that could cause relationship problems. Working on the ability to get along and respect the rules is an integral part of the program: participating in the workshop means learning the values of teamwork, trust, and mutual respect.

After a few initial weeks of more unstructured activities, the boys and girls began to try their hand at more standard sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and athletics. The work focused not only on motor skills but also on the ability to adhere to the school context and improve relationships within the group.

Now we're looking ahead, with the idea of expanding the project and involving the children in external activities, strengthening the link with the local area and offering new opportunities for growth.

Icehearts Europe, inspired by the Finnish model and coordinated at the European level by ISCA – International Sport and Culture Association, is active in eight countries, including Finland, Spain, and Denmark. In Italy, Uisp is the beating heart of the project, involving 400 children from 12 Uisp Committees. The objective is clear: to offer each young person a safe environment in which to grow, face their challenges, and feel part of a welcoming community.

 (Source: Uisp Roma, di Miriam Palma)

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